Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Phnom Penh: Cambodia overcame a first-half deficit to defeat neighbours Laos 4-2 in the first leg of their 2014 FIFA World Cup first round qualifier at the National Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
Phomsouvanh Manolom silenced the home crowd with just ten minutes played when the 19-year-old midfielder opened the scoring with the first of his two goals and Laos held their lead until seven minutes into the second half.
Khuon Laboravy equalised for Cambodia in the 52nd minute before his Preah Khan Reach team-mate Sam El Nasa turned the tie in favour of the home side just seven minutes later.
Cambodia’s lead lasted barely two minutes with Phomsouvanh, who represented Laos at the U13 and U14 AFC Festivals of Football before graduating to the under 19s, scoring his second of the match but for the second time the Laotians were unable to hold onto their lead.
Phnom Penh Crown forward Kouch Sokumpheak made it 3-2 to Cambodia before Sam El Nasa, who started on the bench before coming on as a 34th minute substitute for Tum Saray, sealed the win with a minute left on the clock.
The return fixture takes place in Laos on Sunday with the aggregate winners advancing to a second qualifying round meeting with China.